ED WALKER is still harbouring hopes of an international outing for Glorious Protector, despite the original destination of Australia looking unlikely.

The four-year-old has been progressing nicely, winning his last two starts, though Walker has been frustrated in his attempts to get the horse into one of the summer’s valuable heritage handicaps.

Balloted out of Haydock’s Old Newton Cup, Glorious Protector was first reserve for the Ebor, but failed to get in. That disappointment was allayed by a Listed win on the same day at Windsor, with Walker making use of his alternative option.

A tilt at the Caulfield Cup was a target, but Walker said: “His new rating is 105 which typically when you want a higher rating it’s not high enough. I’ve spoken to the Australian handicapper who has him on roughly 51 kilos and you need to be about 53 for the Caulfield Cup.

“It’s looking like Australia is out of the window which is a shame, but he’s quite inexperienced and we can always target Australia next year.”

Walker will instead try and execute his backup idea, as he added: “Plan B is the Arc trial at Newbury and if that goes to plan hopefully he’ll get an invite to Hong Kong.

“The owner is Hong Kong-based and would love to have a runner at the International meeting and it would be a dream come true for him and us.”